APA honors North Country residents who responded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks

After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, law enforcement and other first responders from around New York State traveled to the city to help with the response, including many from the North Country.

Forest Rangers, NYS Troopers, firefighters, and others were deployed to New York City. Ironworkers from Akwesasne who originally helped build the Twin Towers worked the night shift at Ground Zero.

Their service was honored at Thursday’s Adirondack Park Agency board meeting. 

“Although the attacks occurred far from the Adirondacks, their effects were deeply felt across our communities,” said APA executive director Barbara Rice. “Many North Country residents, including local firefighters and emergency responders, answered the call to support the recovery effort.”

Governor Kathy Hochul signed three pieces of legislation ion Thursday expanding access to benefits for those responders and their families. 

Rice applauded the governor for signing those bills into law.

“The legislation strengthens the September 11th worker protection task force, expands pathways to public service for family members and New York City sanitation workers who died from illnesses related to the cleanup,” Rice explained.

“I know I speak for everyone at the agency when I say that we remember and honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice demonstrated 25 years ago and in the years since,” said Rice.

Nearly three thousand people were killed in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 2001, in New York City, Washington DC and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Twenty-five years later, more than nine thousand people have died from 9/11-related illnesses.